Usecase Kanters

For years, it was assumed in the Netherlands that clean water would always be available. However, with climate change and the increasing droughts that come with it, this is no longer guaranteed. More efficient use of water is therefore becoming increasingly important.

One of the ways to address this is by retaining water more smartly in rural areas. In these regions, where traditional sewage systems are often lacking, a combination of pressure sewers with decentralized treatment systems, Individual Wastewater Treatment systems (IBA’s), and reuse could potentially offer a promising solution. However, there is currently inadequate monitoring and control of these systems, making the quality of the discharged water uncertain. As a result, IBA’s are viewed as a threat to water quality, and farmers prefer to use groundwater for irrigation. The circular use of treated water from IBA’s is thus avoided, even though this is an important step toward sustainable water management.

The project "Circular Water Usage in Rural Areas" offers a solution by establishing cross-sector collaboration within the water chain. The partners are jointly developing an advanced monitoring and control system specifically for IBA systems in rural areas. This system will enable the local treatment and reuse of wastewater.

Datacation will logically be responsible for the data aspect: The measurements taken by sensors from these IBA systems must be carefully and accurately stored in a database. A dashboard will then be developed to visualize this data, allowing for constant, real-time monitoring of the IBA systems.

The project aims to achieve five key goals/results:

1. Circular and Reliable Wastewater Management: Improving the quality of wastewater from IBA systems so that it can be reliably reused locally.
2. Protection of Surface Water: Preventing pollution from IBA systems, ensuring surface water remains safe for agriculture and drinking water.
3. Optimization of IBA Systems for Larger Areas: Exploring the possibility of scaling up IBA systems, which will enhance the efficiency of water management.
4. Innovation in Monitoring and Control: Developing a new monitoring and control system that will significantly improve the performance and reliability of IBA systems.
5. Pilot Projects and Demonstration Sites: Setting up these locations will allow stakeholders to see and apply the latest innovations in practice.

Upon successful completion, the project will lead to more sustainable water use in rural areas, improved water quality, and contribute to climate adaptation. Additionally, it will provide valuable knowledge for municipalities and water boards on locally treating and making surface water in rural areas circular.